Real-time waveguided quantum ghost imaging

Abstract

Imaging through waveguides such as optical fibers enables visualization of otherwise inaccessible regions, including deep biological tissue in endoscopy. Here, we demonstrate real-time waveguided quantum ghost imaging (wQGI) using a bright quantum light source and a single-photon avalanche diode image sensor. Our wide-field wQGI approach requires no active modulation and produces real-time coincidence images directly, due to the imager’s on-chip, in-pixel correlation logic. Using a standard, commercial off-the-shelf fiber bundle compatible with standard endoscopic setups, we validate our system on test samples and quantitatively compare image quality to standard free-space QGI. QGI can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio in the low-photon regime. It also enables imaging at wavelengths where conventional image sensors lack sensitivity. The demonstrated platform thus provides a viable approach to non-invasive, low-light imaging in spectral regions not accessible by standard sensors.